In a world where tech is advancing at lightning speed and talent is one of the most sought-after resources, few understand the heart of recruitment better than Thembi Manyike. As a seasoned talent acquisition specialist currently at Santam, Thembi joined Francois de Wet on the podcast Solving the People Puzzle to talk about the changing landscape of talent acquisition (TA), the blend of human and tech, and why passion is the secret ingredient behind impactful hiring.Here are the most compelling takeaways from their conversation.

The Journey of Talent Acquisition

Thembi reflects on her early days in recruitment when the job was mostly administrative—scanning CVs and pushing candidates through a process. Fast forward to today, and the role has transformed into a vital strategic function.Talent acquisition is no longer about just filling roles. It’s about being a business partner, understanding company culture, team dynamics, and future growth plans. In her words, “You need a salesperson, a marketing guru, someone who can sell the organisation and its value proposition.”

People First, Always: The Heart of the Profession

What makes Thembi’s approach stand out is her unwavering belief that talent acquisition is a calling. Whether recruiting graduates or executives, she views her role as “changing people’s lives”—helping someone land a job that could allow them to pay school fees, support a family, or achieve their dreams.This sense of purpose keeps her grounded, even when the job gets tough. It’s also what she instils in her team: think beyond the admin and focus on the impact. “You can’t fake liking people,” she says. “If you don’t have that passion, it will show.”

Personal Brand Meets Employer Brand

Gone are the days when recruiters worked behind the scenes. Today, Talent Acquisition (TA) specialists are often the first impression a potential hire gets of a company. Thembi passionately believes that every recruiter must build a strong personal brand to represent their employer brand authentically.“You are the personality of the employer brand,” she explains. From TikToks to LinkedIn posts to wearing Santam’s signature yellow at events, Thembi embodies what it means to live the brand. “If I don’t like yellow,” she jokes, “I’m in the wrong company.”

Tech as a Tool, Not a Replacement

The conversation naturally shifted to technology’s role in talent acquisition. AI and data analytics have become indispensable, but Thembi makes a clear distinction: tech should augment, not replace, the human touch.She shares her experience with Wamly, a platform that not only streamlined recruitment but also provided critical data for decision-making. “We can’t make decisions without data,” she says, highlighting how tech empowers recruiters to contribute meaningfully to business strategy.Still, she warns against over-reliance. AI can do a lot - but it can’t read between the lines of a nervous candidate or build a relationship with a line manager. “You still need a human to ask, ‘Are you okay?’” That question, she says, can change the entire tone of an interview.

Future-Proofing Talent Acquisition

Looking ahead, Thembi is optimistic about the future of TA but urges the industry to be intentional. That means:

• Understanding business needs first before entertaining tech proposals.
• Tapping into local solutions that understand the unique South African context.
• Being data-savvy to deliver insights that matter.
• Leaning on the community, because sharing best practices can solve challenges that no single team can tackle alone.

She also encourages young professionals to consider a career in talent acquisition. It’s dynamic, impactful, and filled with opportunities to learn about every part of a business.

How to Thrive in Talent Acquisition

If you’re inspired by Thembi’s journey, here’s her advice for those wanting to grow in this space:

• Talk to passionate TA professionals. Learn from those who see it as more than a job.
• Read consistently. Stay informed through articles, blogs, and podcasts.
• Get a TA coach. Not just a mentor—someone who can guide you in the craft.
• Immerse yourself in your company’s brand. Find what you love about where you work and lean into it.
• Be curious and empathetic. People are at the centre of everything we do.

The Path Forward

Talent acquisition isn’t just about hiring—it’s about transformation. For the candidate. For the business. And for the recruiter, too. Thembi Manyike shows us that when passion meets purpose, recruitment becomes one of the most impactful careers out there.And if you’re not sure whether it’s for you? Start with a conversation. The right one could change your life, just like the perfect hire.Listen to the full episode here:

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